Glossary, Defines general computer terminology – Toshiba Portege 7140 User Manual
Page 177
User's Manual
Glossary 1
Version
5
Last Saved on 20/12/99 04:11
Portege 7140CT User's Manual – 7140_UK.doc – ENGLISH – Printed on 20/12/99 as IM_714UK
Glossary
The terms in this glossary cover the topics discussed in this manual.
Alternate naming is included for reference.
A
AccuPoint II: A pointing device integrated into the Toshiba computer
keyboard.
adaptor: A device that provides an interface between two dissimilar
electronic devices. For example, the AC adaptor modifies the
power from a wall outlet for use by the computer. This terms also
refers to the add-in circuit cards that control external devices, such
as video monitors and magnetic tape devices.
allocate: To assign a space or function for a specific task.
alphanumeric: Keyboard characters including letters, numbers and other
symbols, such as punctuation marks or mathematical symbols.
alternating current (AC): Electric current that reverses its direction of
flow at regular intervals.
analogue signal: A signal whose characteristics such as amplitude and
frequency vary in proportion to (are an analogue of) the value to be
transmitted. Voice communications are analogue signals.
ANSI: American National Standards Institute. An organisation established
to adopt and define standards for a variety of technical disciplines.
For example, ANSI defined the ASCII standard and other
information processing requirements.
antistatic: A material used to prevent the build-up of static electricity.
application: A group of programs that together are used for a specific
task such as accounting, financial planning, spreadsheets, word
processing, and games, etc.
ASCII: American Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII code
is a set of 256 binary codes that represent the most commonly
used letters, numbers, and symbols.
async: Short for asynchronous.